CORONAVIRUS

CORONAVIRUSES are a type of virus that can trigger respiratory infections, from bad colds to lethal pneumonia. Seven strains are currently known to circulate among humans. These include SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The Wuhan novel coronavirus is a previously unseen strain that originated in central China last month.

The more serious symptoms are typically a fever, cough and breathing problems. Some patients have developed pneumonia, which involves inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs. Severe lung disease is believed to the cause of at least 25 deaths so far.

Scientists do not yet know if the new virus is as severe or as contagious as SARS. Statistics suggest it kills around 2 per cent of those infected, significantly lower than SARS (10 per cent). If it mutates into a more infectious or lethal strain, the death rate could rise.

Analysis also suggests it may have emerged after viruses found in bats and snakes combined. It is believed that snakes have acted as a ‘reservoir’ that have passed the new virus to humans.

Common sense and basic hygiene, such as washing hands in hot soapy water, will help to protect yourself. Anyone who believes they have been exposed is advised to clean all high-touch surfaces around them, such as counters, doorknobs and phones with a disinfectant. Disinfectants will kill the virus.

Experts are, in general, sceptical about the effectiveness of standard face masks against airborne viruses. But there is evidence they can help people avoid transmitting infection from their hands to their mouths.

The US National Institute of Health has announced it is in the “very preliminary stages” of research to develop a vaccine for the virus.